When Avery started eating solid food (AKA mushy food), we decided to go with Gerber’s First Foods. They come in packs of 2, and each container has two servings. After Avery tried a few of the foods, we knew he liked them and wasn’t allergic, so I knew which ones would be worth making at home. In the meantime, I washed and saved all the plastic Gerber food containers – to reuse and store homemade baby food.

2. Gather all supplies on a work surface

3. Mix. I did this for about 3 minutes to make sure the carrots were mixed as fine as possible for Avery’s little tummy.

4. Distribute into storage containers. I filled them 3/4 of the way, the same amount Gerber does so I know 1/2 a container is one serving.

5. Store them. Put 2 in a ziplock bag and label the bag with the date and food name. I put some in the freezer for later and one package in the fridge for immediate use.

6. Eat! How did Avery like his homemade carrots?

Messy = He likes it!

7. Clean up. The stick mixer comes off with a push of a button and if you rinse/wash it immediately after use, it cleans quickly. Then the same with the mixing bowl and clean up is done!

I repeated this process with sweet potatoes and bananas. The sweet potatoes mixed really well and Avery loves them just as much as the Gerber version. Bananas on the other hand were a fail. I didn’t realize it until after I had made 6 containers and stored them away. The one in the fridge turned brown within a day and when you reheat it (15 seconds in the microwave so it’s not cold) turned a rubbery consistency and wasn’t smooth enough for a baby to eat. Oh well. Lesson learned. Two for three isn’t bad!

What’s your favorite veggie or fruit to make for homemade baby food? Did you try and that didn’t work? Do you have any tips or tricks to share? Let us know!

Thanks, Jon. Congrats to your friend! I love our Cuisinart Smart Stick – would be a great baby gift – very practical (and affordable $30). I sneakily put it on our wedding registry knowing I would use it for baby food :)

I’ve heard from a family friend that for freezing using ice cube trays. you can make alot or mixed, no plastic containers required, just throw one or two in a bowl and microwave. store them popped out in a ziplock bag.
Never done any of this before myself but seems to work well when I was the babysitter.

Good point – I forgot to add that. The smart stick (I should be paid for these reviews!) is very easy to clean up! It’s super in-expensive too if you don’t get the stainless steel one. Our was $30 from Bed Bath and Beyond.